Bill > HB4456

This bill requires social media platforms to verify the age of account holders who are residents of Texas before allowing them to create an account. Specifically, the bill mandates that platforms must use a commercially reasonable method relying on public or private transactional data to confirm an individual's age, with special provisions for protecting children under 18. The platforms are prohibited from retaining any personal information used for age verification and must immediately delete such data after the verification process. Additionally, the bill provides parents and guardians the right to request removal of their child's account within 10 days, requiring platforms to offer a reasonable and verifiable means for such requests. Any violations of these requirements, such as failing to verify age, misusing personal information, or not removing an account as requested, will be considered a deceptive trade practice subject to enforcement by the consumer protection division of the attorney general's office. The bill will apply to social media platform access starting January 1, 2026, and will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving platforms time to implement the necessary age verification systems.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4456